I haven't been to the bass a thon for quite some time. I agree that the headline speakers (Jimmy and Shaw)are more entertainers than informative speakers. I was getting frustrated with Shaw too. I do a ToastMasters group for work and for my fishing career. It's all about public speaking savviness. I am a lot more tuned into professional presentations and speaking than ever before. I am learning methodologies to evaluate speakers. Honestly, that was my whole motive to attend...just to see how well these guys spoke. Everyone who wants to be a fishing star knows that public speaking is an important skill in your repertoir.

If I were to evaluate Shaw, I'd say this: total lack of understanding his audience. Yes there were beginners there, but he should recognize that not everyone there is brand new. Give basic details, but also get serious and talk advanced tactics and ideas. Total lack of organization: very poor. I agree, he went from fishing story to fishing story to hunting story to presidential election joke...(I'm not kidding when I say that was the most poorly delivered presentation I have ever seen). It took him 10minutes to say that he wears yellow lensed sun glasses all the time. Not grey, like so and so wears, or he doesn't switch with clouds, yada yada yada, say it and move on!!!

I was as unimpressed as you. You want to hear something strange. That excites me. Shaw is a serious player and skilled angler. I know I have opportunities to do profound things in the public communications side of fishing. Can you say PowerPoint? Lazer pointer, organized speach, intro..body..conclusion...I hear Mike Auten has some nice multimedia presentations he presents. I'd like to see his for sure.

I've really had a great opportunity in my short time in the professional world to see some great presentations. Microsoft, Axent Technologies, Epoch Internet, Nortel Networks, Cisco, etc. I secretly imagine myself talking to large crowds in some fishing related event whenever I go to these events. These vendors are good. Although they are pushing a product or service, the presenters never get overly sidetracked or are completely disorganized. I would love to know what kind of $ is costs to have Shaw for a weekend.

Anyway, that's my thoughts. Yes, I hoping to put my public speaking skills to use here soon. Yeah buddy